120/60 CREDIT DEGREE CAP LEGISLATION MSUSA February Conference

Background  Question: Why does it take 128 credits to graduate from Winona State University with an English degree when it only takes 120 from MSU Moorhead?  Institutional autonomy  Faculty set most curriculum More general course requirements  More revenue from less costly programs to help off set the costs for more expensive programs  5 Universities at 128 credits

2007 Legislative Session  Legislators passed 120/60 Credit Degree Cap in response to “credit creep”  MSUSA supported legislation if waiver process was put in place  MnSCU and 2 year faculty union did not support legislation  4 year faculty neutral on issue

 MnSCU organizes a steering committee to write policy for program waiver process  Policy 3.36 and Procedure  This policy and procedure was worked on over 1 year.  Steering Committee Attendees Many faculty Students MnSCU Academic Affairs Selection of University and College Presidents.

Steering Committee Proposal  MnSCU Central Office is authority for granting waivers  Approved Program Criteria for granting waivers by steering committee  Industry standards National or international program certification National or international standards, including skill standards Recommendation from a primary employer or from multiple employers within a program service area  Professional standards National specialized program accreditation State licensure requirements National practices or standards  Unique challenges Emerging or innovative academic programs Academic programs of special merit or need

Impact on Campus  Negative  Revenue Campuses that are currently at 128 credits will be receiving less tuition due to fewer credits But…. They will also be teaching fewer courses  Faculty This may impact faculty since there will be fewer credits to teach.  Positive  Most students will save $1,000 - $2,000+ in four years.  Hold institutions and programs more accountable  Help students graduate in 4 years

Will not Impact…..  Accreditation  Academic standing of an institution  Licensure standing  The waiver process is in place in order to keep anything detrimental, academically, from happening.

2009  First Reading  Board of Trustees December, 2008 Meeting Board not happy Think Legislators are crossing their authority. Not happy that students supported the legislation  Second Reading  Board of Trustees January Meeting Board still not happy Pass a motion directing office of the chancellor staff to repeal the legislation Board asked students to support the repeal

Faculty Amendments - IFO  IFO Amendment (4 Year Faculty)  Laws 2007, Chapter 144, Article 1, Section 4, Subd. 3 is amended to read: Subd. 3.Board Policies, Part B…… The board policy may also provide a process for granting waivers for emerging and innovative programs and programs of special merit or need.  This amendment is to allow a waiver for unique and/or first programs in the country.  This was language that was originally agreed on in the steering committee, but was taken out by MnSCU general council.

Faculty Amendments - MSCF  MSCF Amendment (2 Year Faculty)  Section 1. MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES DEGREE REQUIREMENTS.  An associate of applied science degree offered by a college in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is exempt from the 60 semester credit limit for an associate degree in the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities under Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, section 4, subdivision 3, clause (b), The board must not require the associate of applied science degree to obtain a waiver from the credit limit in the current policy. The board must also modify the current credit limit policy to conform with the exemption for the associate of applied science degree under this section. In addition, the board must develop and disseminate information to inform students, potential students and the public on the unique nature and requirements of an associate of applied science degree.  This language would exempt AAS degrees from going through waiver process. AAS – Associate’s in Applied Science  Would also make AAS programs produce materials explaining why programs are at varying credit levels in order to graduate.

Chair Frederick Recommendation  MSUSA supports steering committee original proposal for policy 3.36 and  This would include support of the IFO amendment to include “Unique and first time programs” as criteria for a waiver.  Does not include MSCF’s amendment to exempt AAS programs.  MSCSA may support MSCF amendment later this month  This will determine our recommendation